House Theatre's sensational "The Nutcracker" is the best holiday theatre deal in Chicago

*Uncle Drosselmeyer juggles presents in front of David, Clara and Martha in opening scene

It is a delightful, charming, joyous, fun, funny, scary show with a tinge of sadness. It is The Nutcracker by The House Theatre of Chicago, which opened at Chopin Theatre on Sun. Nov. 21 and will run through Dec. 26. It should be on your must see list. (Update: extended showings. See below.)

Tommy Rapley's choreography and Kevin O'Donnell's music with lyrics by Jake Minton are more like toe-tapping Broadway shows than the toe pointing classic ballet performances most often associated with the Nutcracker. Like no other version of the 1816 The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffman, this adaptation is written by Phillip Klapperich, a founding member of House and Jake Minton, for the second time. The first was House's show at the Steppenwolf in 2007.

The story begins in the living room of Martha (mom) and David (dad). They along with Clara (daughter) and beloved Uncle Drosselmeyer are singing and dancing as they prepare for the arrival of Clara's brother Fritz. Fritz is coming home for the holidays from the military. But instead of Fritz ringing the doorbell, it is someone from the military. He delivers an American flag folded in the traditional triangle. The realization that Fritz will not be home for this or any other Christmas stuns the little family.

*Dapper Rat (Rat 2) attempts to intimidate Clara and the toys

The next scene, a year later, begins with Clara valiantly attempting to engage her parents in Christmas. But each of them is busily involved in their own life, in an attempt to escape their loss, and want no part of any Christmas celebration.

Unexpectedly Uncle Drosselmeyer arrives. He seems to know that the family has been on a destructive, uncommunicative journey as they struggle with the devastating loss of Fritz. He brings a gift he made for Clara.  It is a Nutcracker, the little toy soldier looks amazingly like Fritz. Then the magic begins.

Clara's toys, Phoebe (a yellow haired windup spacey doll), Monkey (a French sock monkey with an attitude and lisp) and Hugo ( a hyper nerdy robot with a light bulb on his head) along with the Nutcracker (a caring and loving brother), come to life. They all go on a journey with Clara.

During intermission, the audience "played" in the snow on stage

This audience member made a snow angel during intermission

Clara knows she must keep this journey with her friends and brother a secret from her family, which is not an easy task.

Initially they face rats, with English accents who are dapperly dressed and sing and dance. Clara and her fantasy friends know that they eventually must face the feared Rat King. He lives in the dark between the house's walls. Red glowing eyes in huge heads (by puppet designer Debbie Baer) emerge from the darkness and a deep voice talks with spooky music adding to the scary experience. The Rat King wants them to stay in the darkness....and then.... Guess you'll just have to go to the show to find out what happens.

*Clara flees from the Rat King

Though the challenge of fighting against darkness and the rat king is a metaphor for Clara and her parents' fight against the tragic loss of Fritz and re-establishing a happy family life, this production is definitely not a downer. On the contrary, it shows hope to all for the possibility of healing from great losses.

House's production is exquisitely delightful, fast paced, funny and totally absorbing.The intimate staging on the main stage at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, provides the  eight actors, who play twelve roles, opportunity to play with the audience and the audience to play with the actors.

Three sections of audience seating are along the back and one side of the stage. Five musicians are tucked behind a "back wall" of the set providing wonderful musical support to the emotional ups and downs of the story line. While the depth of the story is aimed at adults and teenagers, the little kids seem to love it too. With lots of clever dialogue, running, dancing, talking toys, scary sounds, snow, presents and singing, what kid ... of any age ... could not have a good time?

Hugo and Phoebe checked out Division St. during intermission

At $25 per ticket, this is one of the best bargain in town for the holiday. The cast is sensational: Chance Bone - Fritz; Carolyn Defrin - Martha and Rat 1; Carla Kessler - Clara; Jake Minton - David and Rat 2; Blake Montgomery -Uncle Drosselmeyer, Rat 3, Teddy; Michael E. Smith - monkey; Trista Smith - Phoebe; and Joey Steakley - Hugo.

Performances are Thurs. thru Sun., except for Dec. 25, until Dec. 26. To check for times and purchase tickets online.

UPDATE: Extended performances...Matinees: Sat. at 3 p.m. and Sun.at 5 p.m.; Tues. Dec. 21 at 8 p.m.

*Photo courtesy of House Theatre of Chicago

More information: Chicago Tribune;New City;The Examiner